Harold Perkins, Jay Higgins and Barrett Carter: A look at top 10 highest rated linebackers ahead of Week 4 matchups

In modern college football, linebackers are among the busiest players on the field. Important against the run, a true linebacker has to be ready to play coverage or rush the passer. Here's a rundown of 10 of the nation's best and how their 2024 seasons have gone to date.

Top 10 highest-rated linebackers ahead of Week 4

Clemson linebacker Barrett Carter needs to be a bigger presence for the Tigers in 2024. (Photo Credit: IMAGN)

10. Jacob Manu, Arizona

Off a 2023 season when he had 116 tackles and 6.5 sacks, expectations are high for this 5-foot-11 junior. Arizona has struggled on defense, but Manu has not. He has 27 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, a pass breakup, and a pair of QB hurries. He's still a beast at middle linebacker.

9. Smael Mondon, Georgia

The number two tackler a season ago on Georgia's defense (68 stops), Mondon has had a slow start in 2024. He has 12 tackles and a pass break up, but might be saving his best work for the rest of SEC play.

8. Francisco Mauigoa, Miami

A force a season ago, the 6-foot-3 senior would love to replicate 82 tackles and 7.5 sacks from 2023. So far, he's pretty close. In three games, Mauigoa has 17 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, including a sack, three pass break ups, a QB hurry, and a forced fumble. Nice start for a tough Miami defense.

7. Danny Stutsman, Oklahoma

The 6-foot-4 Stutman had 104 tackles and 13 tackles for loss in 2023. He's been busy in 2024, with 33 tackles and 1.5 tackles for loss so far. Stutsman has spent much of his season cleaning up messes, but will look for more impact plays down the stretch.

6. Deontae Lawson, Alabama

Lawson was second on Alabama's team with 67 stops a season ago. The 6-foot-2 junior is a solid leader on the Tide defense. So far this year, he's again the number two tackler, with 21 stops, a tackle for loss, a pair of pass breakups, and a fumble forced. Lawson is consistent and impressive.

5. Barrett Carter, Clemson

The senior registered 67 tackles for loss in 2023, with six tackles for loss and six pass break ups. Carter has had a quiet start to 2024. Granted, Clemson has played only two games so far, but with just three tackles, Carter has to provide more production to the Tigers moving forward.

4. Jason Henderson, Old Dominion

Henderson produced insane statistics a season ago, with 167 tackles and 15 tackles for loss. Henderson has been sidelined with an injury for much of the early 2024 season. He did have three tackles against South Carolina but missed ODU's other two games. Hopefully, he'll be back after the off-week this weekend.

3. Nick Martin, Oklahoma State

The 6-foot junior linebacker managed 140 tackles and 10 tackles for loss in 2023 for the Cowboys. He's been great to open 2024, with 34 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, including a sack, two pass breakups, and three QB hurries. Martin's continued strong play could be key to OSU's Big 12 chances.

2. Jay Higgins, Iowa

Made a starter in 2023, Higgins responded in style. The 6-foot-2 senior totaled 171 tackles in his junior season. In the middle of Kirk Ferentz's defense, Higgins figures to be busy again. With 25 tackles and interception, a fumble forced and a QB hurry, he's off to a solid start to 2024.

1. Harold Perkins, LSU

The Tiger defense has struggled, but Perkins hasn't been a problem. A season ago, he managed 74 tackles and 5.5 sacks. The 6-foot-1 junior is a likely future NFL star. With 15 tackles and 1.5 tackles for loss, Perkins has shown flashes but needs to be more consistent in the remainder of the season.

Which linebackers are you watching on Saturday? Share your thoughts on the best in the comments section below.